Entrepreneurs are often told to “think outside the box” to find creative solutions to common business problems. But this is easier said than done. When you’re creatively stuck, it can be hard to get into the right mindset to find your next great idea. Whether you’re looking for your next business idea, devising a new marketing campaign, or trying to solve an operational challenge, consider these ways to spark your entrepreneurial creativity.
Literally step out of your comfort zone
When we get stuck in a routine, it becomes difficult to see things in a new light. Scientific studies show that when we get used to a routine, our thinking becomes more methodical and our creativity decreases. When we live our lives in the same patterns, we’re less likely to challenge the status quo. “After all, we tend to see things as they are, rather than as they should be,” writes Psychology Today.
Small breaks from your routine can help reset your brain. Seeing the world in a different way can start to activate your creative side. “Creativity encourages you to see old things in a new way. Get out of your comfort zone, creativity’s mortal enemy,” writes Forbes. “Take a different route to work. Have lunch with new people. Read a magazine you’d never buy. Travel. Take a walk. Get lost.”
Get inspiration from the experts
TED.com has a playlist of 40 videos about creativity. Listen to experts like Elizabeth Gilbert and David Kelley talk about strategies for thinking creatively. Or listen to talks on completely unrelated topics like sustainability and behavioral economics. Listening to experts from all over the world can open your mind to whole new ways of thinking about problems. The more you have access to diverse ideas and perspectives, the more you can “think outside the box.”
Give design thinking a try
For some entrepreneurs, a more structured approach helps spark creativity and organize efforts. Design thinking is an approach to problem-solving that focuses on understanding human needs.
Get out of your comfort zone, the enemy of creativity.
Cheryl Conner, Forbes
“Design thinking allows you to make the connection between what is desirable from a human perspective and what is technically feasible and economically viable,” IDEO writes. “It also enables people who are not trained as designers to use creative techniques, methods, and ways of thinking to address a wide range of challenges.”
The Design Thinking approach offers a simple mindset shift and structure with strategies for tackling problems from new directions. If you enjoy thinking creatively and systematically, this may be a good option for you.
[Read more: 5 Habits That Will Make Entrepreneurs More Creative and Innovative]
Take a note
David Sedaris, Joan Didion, and Leonardo DaVinci are just a few of the famous creative people who kept regular diaries. It may seem like a hassle, but getting into the habit of carrying a notebook to jot down ideas has two benefits:
“Writing down all of your thoughts and ideas allows you to store them for further reflection and repetition,” Entrepreneur writes. “Plus, keeping a notebook frees up mental space and energy for other tasks.”
Jot down any ideas, observations, or questions that come to mind, so you can revisit them later when you have time to think more deeply and creatively, or you can turn your attention to more pressing problems that arise throughout the day.
Talking to people from different backgrounds
There’s a clear and established relationship between diversity and innovation. For example, diverse companies have 19% higher innovation revenue. Innovation happens when people with different backgrounds and perspectives come together to solve a problem. Spark your entrepreneurial creativity by seeking out new thought partners.
“Instead of just talking to product marketing and design engineers, consider inviting accounting and mailroom people to weigh in on creative decisions,” Forbes writes.
[Read more: How to Keep Your Remote Business Fresh and Creative]
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